I write to raise urgent concerns about funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) for FY 2014. Without Congressional leadership and intervention, America’s ability to provide persecuted refugees and vulnerable migrant children with safe haven and a chance at a new life would be dramatically diminished. Congress must appropriate additional funding to ORR by deadline for the budget deal on December 13 so the United States can adequately serve the vulnerable migrants under its care.

The United States has a proud history of providing a safe haven to those fleeing from persecution, oppression, and violence. Since 1975, the United States has welcomed 2.5 million refugees. A recent surge in widespread organized crime and violence in Central America has led to an enormous increase in the number of unaccompanied children fleeing their homes to escape extortion, killings, forced recruitment, and generalized fear and crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to seek safety. These children are at special risk for abuse, exploitation and trafficking during their journeys and after their arrival to the United States.

I see the positive contributions refugees are able to make in my community when we invest in supporting, welcoming and integrating refugees to their new lives. As a person of faith, I believe in protecting the most vulnerable among us and urge your immediate intervention to support increased funding for ORR in FY 2014. I will pray for you and your colleagues as you consider this urgent need and I thank you for your public service to all members of our community. Sincerely, (your name and signature)